"The least of these..."

20Dec
When John the Baptist heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one to come, or are we to wait for another?
 
-Matthew 11:2-3


Prisons loom large in stories about Jesus. John the Baptist died in prison. Paul, Peter, and the other apostles spent time in prison. Jesus himself was held in prison before he was led away to Calvary.  Like many people, I had never been to a prison and did not know anyone in prison until Christmas Eve 1998. I had been invited to lead Christmas services in Delaware’s largest prison and I was feeling pretty nervous about it.  That morning was unusually cold. The coils of razor wire and the concrete guard towers were not putting me in the Christmas spirit. But at the gate was Chaplain Frank Pennell. This broad-shouldered former basketball player and ordained Baptist minister had dedicated his life to serving prisons and prisoners. As we passed through the electronic security gate and the first of multiple mechanized steel doors, I asked Chaplain Pennell if there was anything I needed to keep in mind when we got to the cinder block prison chapel. “No need to ask the inmates about why they are here or what they have done. They are all here for good reasons but that is up to the courts and judges. Just do your best to treat them like human beings. Knowing that someone cares is the best Christmas gift anyone can give.”


 Over the years Chaplain Pennell and I became good friends and my visits to his prison congregation are one of my cherished memories. Sadly, he died earlier this year and the world lost a great servant of the gospel. We had lunch together back in the spring even though he was not feeling well.  I asked him why at some personal cost he had dedicated himself to such a special vocation. “Condemned and locked away prisoners are so easy to forget,” he said. “When Jesus challenged his disciples to have a heart for the needy, he specifically mentioned prisoners. And, what did he say?” Chaplain Pennell added smiling. “In as much as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)


Musical Reflection - Rescue - Acapella Company


Holy God, let us not forget the least of these in our prayers and in our actions. Liberate our hearts to make us instruments of your peace and love. Amen.

JudgementCompassionUnderstanding

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